The event provides market leaders with an opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities to make greater contributions to achieving SDG 5 on gender equality. This session will examine the role of stock exchanges and other key market stakeholders in promoting gender equality in their markets. The discussions will examine the progress of gender balance in corporate board rooms and other positions of corporate leadership, and will consider the range of strategies deployed, including market education programmes, gender equality themed equity and bond products and standards and norms development.

Gender equality is a top priority on the international sustainability agenda and one of the UN SDGs. Businesses are improving their practices, developing public-private partnerships, and investing resources to achieve gender equality. While it is increasingly recognized that advancing gender equality through business operations and value chains means better talent, higher productivity, more customers, and a stronger bottom line, progress remains slow. To achieve the UN SDGs, market participants need to continue to advance at a fast pace.

Session themes:

• What role can exchanges play in promoting gender parity?
• What role does regulation play in achieving gender equality?
• What role can equity, bond and other financial products play in promoting or financing achievement of SDG 5?
• How can exchanges promote an increase in female participation on their issuers’ boards?
• What role can market education programmes play in promoting gender equality?

Registrations details

Attendance at these in-person events is free of charge but registration is required. Registering once gives participants a pass to all the events. A list of hotels close to the conference facilities can be found here. Special hotel rates for WIF participants can be received by using the booking links in this document. 

You can access entire WIF 2023 program here

SSE members and key stakeholders are warmly invited to participate in all SSE events. If you or your CEOs are planning to join us in Abu Dhabi, please feel free to reach out to the SSE team for assistance.